by Marian Tee
“Are you going to tell me you love me?” Misty asked him as Domenico helped her out of the car for their first movie date.
When Domenico didn’t answer, she tugged at his shirtsleeve. He looked gorgeous and sexy in his dress shirt and jeans. Even the way he glanced down at her made her heart go crazy and her body heat up. Domenico stared down at her with a smile tugging at his lips, his eyes glinting as his gaze skimmed her face and caressed her body, focusing on the way the white knee-length dress molded to her curves faithfully.
The sight of that smile took her breath away.
Around her, other women were just as breathless, staring at Domenico.
She tugged at his shirtsleeve again.
“What is it?” Domenico asked.
“Tell me you love me,” she insisted with a grin.
He colored, as expected. Misty knew he was still unused to the fact that he loved her. “No.”
She pretended to pout. “Why not?”
“Because you’re not senile so I don’t have to tell you every second,” he retorted.
“If Jayme were my boyfriend---”
“If I had married the pack princess intended for me---”
“Okay, okay, I take it back,” she said quickly.
He curved an arm around her waist when they reached the ticket booth for movies. “What would you like to watch?”
She viewed the list of movies on the digital screen. “How about the action film?”
He laughed. “It’s okay. Don’t consider my preferences.”
“No, really. I like action movies, too.” She was surprised to see Domenico hesitate.
“Well, if you’re sure…”
Then she got it and she started to laugh. “You don’t like action movies!”
“I like it!”
“You’re lying,” she said laughingly.
Domenico rolled his eyes. “Okay, I don’t like it, but I don’t hate it either.”
She shook her head in wonder. “You’re the first guy I know who’s not into action movies.”
“You know that many guys?”
She stuck out her tongue. “Ha-ha.”
Domenico grinned. He had missed seeing this childish side of Misty’s. It made him realize just how much life with him had also changed Misty. In a way, it saddened him that because of Lyccan life Misty had become more mature. But Domenico didn’t regret it either. Misty had also become stronger and he wanted her that way. Above all things, he wanted to know that she would be strong enough to protect herself if there was a moment he was not by her side when she faced danger.
“I’m just sick of violence. It’s always been a part of a Lyccan’s life so in movies or books, I prefer to be free of it,” Domenico murmured as he pulled her close and inhaled her hair. He loved her scent and couldn’t get enough of it, smiling when his wife did his best not to wriggle, knowing that Misty was still adjusting to his newly discovered fondness for expressing his affection for her even in public.
She tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. “Then we won’t ever watch one. Let’s always watch sappy rom-coms and cartoons---”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?’
“Yup!”
“You’re not going to take it back?”
“I---” He suddenly caught her mouth in a swift, hard kiss. When he pulled away, her face was beet red, feeling other people’s gazes at them.
Domenico smiled at the embarrassment in his wife’s face. “That should teach you.”
Inside the movie theater, Domenico and Misty followed the usher to their seats, which were one of the ten pairs of La-Z-Boy seats located at the top two rows and separated from the rest of the theater seats.
When the lights went out and the credits started rolling in, Misty realized that no one else was joining them in their section. She found that strange, considering they were about to watch a pretty popular movie and it was a Friday night.
“How much are these seats anyway?” she whispered to Domenico.
Domenico told her and asked afterwards, “Why?”
Laying her head on his shoulder, Misty answered, “I’m just wondering why there’s no one else who bought seats here. It’s not that pricey after all.”
Domenico chuckled.
“What’s so---” Misty choked back a gasp when Domenico suddenly and swiftly lifted her up from her seat and placed her on his lap. She quickly tried to struggle away but he wouldn’t let her, nuzzling her neck even as one of his hands snaked under her skirt to pull her panties down.
“Domenico,” she hissed, flushing red even though she was pretty sure no one could see them.
“Misty,” he returned mockingly. Biting her ear, he whispered, “This is why no one is here with us.”
It took her over a second to understand what he was saying. “You bought all the seats?”
He thrust his cock into her in answer.
She collapsed against his chest at that, his unexpected entry making her gushing wet in an instant.
Cupping and squeezing her breasts, Domenico slid in and out of her moist depths, taking her lips in a carnal kiss when she couldn’t stop herself from whimpering.
“Stop making sounds,” he whispered to her even as he pumped his cock into her harder and faster.
“I’m trying,” she gasped.
Domenico bit her lower lip harder than usual as punishment when another gasp escaped. “Shut up, darling, or I’ll stop fucking you.”
Misty gnashed her teeth in silent protest when Domenico pulled out of her completely. Her fingers curled around his arms, nails digging into her skin, urging him to continue. Misty’s mouth parted in a silent gasp when Domenico shoved right back in without warning. This time, he didn’t stop thrusting into her until Misty knew it was only a matter of seconds before she would reach an orgasm.
“Come now.” His voice grated against her face.
She came with another silent cry, grinding her buttocks into him as his cock pistoled his seed into her with a force that made her body shake harder.
The next night was yet another first as Misty was scheduled to make her official debut in Lyccan society as Domenico’s wife. Her knees shook so hard she felt like she was about to fall on her face any second. She was thankful her family was with her. Now that Kevin was Lyccan as well, their family was not just accepted but warmly welcomed by Domenico’s kind. The obvious bias made Matilda mad, but Misty didn’t mind, more than content that everyone she loved was alive and happy.
That night, they stood side by side as they accepted belated congratulations for their marriage. Domenico wore yet another beautiful handmade Italian suit while she wore the newest gown designed by Mark, one made of purple velvet and a side slit that made Domenico’s eyes narrow when he saw it bare almost her entire legs more than once.
“I think I need to have a word with Mark about what is appropriate,” he murmured to her dryly.
Misty rolled her eyes. “Come on, Domenico. So many girls are more attractive than I am here. I doubt anyone actually pays attention to me.”
“Oh, there are,” Domenico said darkly.
She shook her head, still amazed that he could be jealous. That he loved her. It was a truth she hugged to herself with every morning that she woke up and saw Domenico at her side. “I’m an old married woman now. I’m totally boring.” And who knew how wonderful boring could be?
Domenico’s side had also attended the ball hosted by the Fiarinos in full force. The Fiarinos were another powerful Lyccan clan, one with a promising heir Domenico said he had his eye on. When she met with Domenico’s father, Dio had given her a cursory greeting but that was it. It was enough for now. Misty remembered her promise and she told herself she would work on that soon.
When she and Domenico encountered Aurelius Castellano, she felt her husband stiffen beside her.
“Castellano.” His voice was cold.
But Aurelius didn’t seem to mind and even looked to be in the best of spi
rits. “Hello, Domenico. Did you like the battle I gave you?”
“It was a good fight.” But Domenico was stunned when Aurelius winked at his wife.
“I did what you asked, dear.”
Misty reddened.
“You said no special treatment so I gave him the best fight he could have asked. But he succeeded like you said he would.” Aurelius clapped a hand on Domenico’s back. “You’ve a gem of a wife there. Don’t lose her.”
When Aurelius left, Misty quickly tried to escape but Domenico swiftly chained her to his side.
“Misty,” he growled.
“I’m sorry!”
She told him what happened, with the exception of the bit that Daryl was a faerie. Something told her that it was more than enough for Domenico to accept that someone supposedly dead had spoken to her.
“A ghost,” he said almost dumbly.
She avoided his expression. “Mmm…”
“And you also made me suffer for nothing? The old man offered his help and you rejected it?” He didn’t know if he was exasperated or touched.
“But I thought you didn’t want any special favors. I did it to prove I trust you,” she said earnestly.
“Misty…” He sounded like he was about to die.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
He shook his head with a wry smile. Not caring about the people looking at them, Domenico bent down and kissed her, easily persuading her lips to part and let his tongue in. He branded her with his kiss, and let her brand him with his.
When he lifted his head, his wife looked at him in a daze.
He said softly, “Don’t ever change, Misty.”
After dinner, the dancing began. Domenico excused himself, told Misty to enjoy herself, and got to work. It soon became apparent to him that everyone was fascinated with his wife. They either loved her or were suspicious of her, but they were interested in her.
At this point, it was more than he could ask for.
“You seem happy,” Dio murmured when he joined Domenico at the sides of the ballroom. Before them, couples swirled around the dance floor.
“Just enjoying my wife’s success,” he said. Something burned inside him but he tried to quelch it. “She’s not a pack princess. But she’s a lot better.”
Dio’s voice was bland when he asked, “Is that so?”
“I have the Cavaliers and Castellanos as well as the Fontabellas and Buenaventuras on my side,” Domenico stated. “These packs were never your allies.”
“True.”
The burning in him intensified and he knew he had to go. “It was nice talking to you, Father, but I have to go…business to do,” he managed to say.
“Domenico…”
He nodded to his father and left. He still could not make himself forgive Dio for what he had said all those years ago.
Misty had watched the tableau between father and son and excused herself when Domenico walked away. She caught hold of him when he reached the balcony.
Domenico tensed at the light touch but relaxed when he heard his wife murmur his name. He smiled down at her. “Come join me for a bit.”
“Of course.”
The night breeze was cool and deliciously refreshing on their skin. There was a light scent of seawater in the air and the sound of distant waves lapping against the shore lent a rhythmic beat to the evening. The Fiarinos’ mansion sat atop a barren white cliff, giving them a breathtaking view of the sea.
Domenico leaned against the balustrade and pulled her close so she could rest against him. He clasped his arms around her, settling his hands above hers.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes…you?”
“I’ve done my work.”
She frowned. “Is this night about work?”
“Yes.”
Misty wanted to tell Domenico not to focus too much on his work because it wasn’t healthy. He was too obsessive about it, and she feared it had more to do with his old feud with Dio than with his devotion to his duties.
But she couldn’t – not now at least. It did not feel right. She asked casually, “How was your talk with your father?”
“The same as before.” Domenico’s tone was dismissive.
Misty decided not to take the hint. “Will you never forgive him?”
Domenico sighed. “Why am I not surprised that you know the story about us?”
She wisely kept silent.
“I’ve forgiven him, I suppose. But I can’t forget.”
“Cant…or won’t?”
“Is there a difference?” he asked somewhat edgily.
She turned to him with an earnest look of appeal. “Yes, there is. Because I love you and I know I can forgive and forget anything for you.”
“Big words, Misty.”
“I mean it, though.”
“It’s easier said than done. Leave it be.”
She nodded, knowing she had pushed him enough for tonight.
On their way back, Domenico received a phone call that had him frowning. But he did not say what it was. When they reached home, she was not altogether surprised that Domenico was not going inside.
Misty did not like the cold glitter of fury mingling with triumph in his face. She didn’t understand what was happening, but she understood him because she loved him. “Domenico?”
He looked at her.
“Whatever it is, wherever it is you’re going, promise me you’ll take care.”
Misty’s words touched him and he drew her close, loving how she instantly and trustingly curved around him, her arms going around his neck.
“Don’t worry about me.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t intend to make you a widow anytime soon.”
“You better not.” Her arms tightened around him. “I love you, Domenico.”
“I love you,” he whispered back.
She watched him go, tears in her eyes, scared without knowing why.
~~~~
Domenico was greeted by Ricardo and surprisingly, his daughter Rafaella, the girl he was supposed to marry. He was uncomfortable at her presence but tried not to show it as Rafaella greeted him with a kiss on each cheek. Both landed dangerously close to his lips, something he and Ricardo both chose to ignore.
Domenico looked at the older man. “What has come up?”
“We have found a suspect.”
“You have interrogated him already?”
“I was waiting for you.”
Inside the interrogation room, Domenico swiftly hid his shock when he realized who the traitor was.
It was Gardo Fiarino, nephew to the pack leader of the Fiarinos, the very same pack who held a ball in his honor and Misty’s. Gardo’s capture revealed that treachery existed even in the innermost circles of Lyccan society. Could it mean that even members of the Lyccan Council were to be distrusted?
The interrogation was over in an hour, with Gardo giving up the location of the vampire he had paid to execute the murders. Domenico led the hunt for the vampire, and when it was apparent that Gardo’s mercenary would not reveal anything of import, Domenico killed him swiftly and ruthlessly.
When Domenico came back home, a bad taste remained in his mouth. He wondered if Misty would still love him if she knew just how ruthless he could be.
Entering their bedroom, he was surprised to see Misty waiting for him.
“Welcome home,” she said softly.
They made love without words, Domenico savoring the healing power of her touch. She murmured her love for him over and over, and he shuddered in her arms as they came together.
Misty stroked his hair, wishing she could do more to draw his pain. Because she loved him, his hurt was palpable, something that made her heart bleed as well.
Out of the blue, he said, “I killed someone.”
She slowly pulled away and there was a part of him that wanted to snatch her back. But he let her go.
Misty asked slowly, “Did he deserve it?”
“Yes.”
; “Do you regret it?”
“I don’t know. Not now.”
“I’m not in a position to judge you, Domenico. But I trust you and I know you’ll always do the right thing. Why did you kill him?”
“He no longer had a purpose.”
She flinched.
“He was a vampire.”
She knew by now how vampires were made. They were born Caros who had taken human lives for immortality. “Then you did the right thing. He wasn’t human any longer. I’m not talking biologically, but I’m talking what’s in here.” She pointed to her heart.
Misty cupped his face. It humbled her that someone like Domenico chose to confide in her things that she knew instinctively he did not share with anyone else. It humbled her to feel that he needed her approval.
“Anything that troubles you, Domenico, let me know. I will do what I can to help you, okay?” She smiled tremulously. “I love you.”
He answered her with a kiss and all the love that his heart could hold.
Chapter Thirteen
Dear Diary,
A girl is always supposed to have her secrets, but what about a man’s? Is it bad that I want everything there is to know about Domenico? I feel like the more I know of him, the more hidden layers I discover, and they’re not all pretty. Some of them are dark and treacherous, like snakes waiting to poison me.
Yesterday, I managed to get the story out of Domenico about how he lost his virginity. He said it was his piano tutor. She was twenty-four and he was fourteen. I think it is rape but he says it’s not. If anything, Domenico told me she was the one who was used because he had later on used his newly learned sexual skills to persuade her to let him play hooky with his lessons without telling his parents. He told me how he had bent her to his will completely, so much so that she would give him a blowjob on the rare times he would practice the piano.
